MB - sorry if you have already commented, but what is your take on Vic Beasley? He is a bit small for typical BB tastes, however, he could fill that speed role.

Listed at 6-3, 225 -

Athletic and explosive off the edge... looked like a terror in the snaps I saw vs. OSU... I've seen mentions of Bruce Irvin and I think that's an accurate comp as he projects as an undersized edge rush specialist early on.

Thanks, very thorough breakdown of Smith and reflects a lot of what I saw... really think he should be talked about as a Rd 1 player... very underrated.

By comparison, I like him more than I did Jamie Collins in last year's class... think his effort and motor were/are better at the same stage.

one thing to remember about Collins is he played on a winless So Miss team his senior year. that has to take a toll on your overall effort and motor. its not an excuse but its probably the case for Collins. maybe this winning team changed that

Thanks, very thorough breakdown of Smith and reflects a lot of what I saw... really think he should be talked about as a Rd 1 player... very underrated.

By comparison, I like him more than I did Jamie Collins in last year's class... think his effort and motor were/are better at the same stage.

one thing to remember about Collins is he played on a winless So Miss team his senior year. that has to take a toll on your overall effort and motor. its not an excuse but its probably the case for Collins. maybe this winning team changed that

Yep, fully understand that it must be demoralizing to play for a terrible team, but I think you're either programmed to go hard on every snap or you'er not. I have zero questions about Smith's motor.

So, I've been thinking who are the players that the Pats either wouldn't take but would go in the 1st and the players who will be out of reach for the Pats where they are picking. As of right now if all the #1 and #2 seeds lose next week the Pats will get the #25 pick. So figuring BB could trade up to #20 if someone falls that's the range I set. So anyone in the teens or lower to me means they are out of range for the Pats. Here's the list I have going for 1st round picks the Pats either won't take or won't have the chance to take.

*denotes could be found in 1st to early 2nd range or hasn't declared yet

1st round picks the Pats won't take period:

A QB - Though a Rodgers situaiton could happen I just don't see it with BB. There is no value there, esp considering the shear amount of QB's who will go before they pick. Here's the list I have so far:

Bridgewater

Bortles

Manziel

Carr

Hundley

Boyd*

This does bring up the possibility of the Pats trading back with a team looking for a QB and might have to move up to get someone like Hundley or Boyd

A WR - Lets face it BB won't draft a WR in the 1st:

Watkins

Evans

Lee

Benjamin

Robinson*

Strong*

A RB - Same as WR:

Gordon*

Players I don't think will be in BBs range:

** denotes players in possible late teen early 20 range

Clowney DE

Matthews OT

Robinson OT

Erving OT*

Lewan OT*

Ebron TE

Nix DT

Ealy DE

Mack DE/OLB

Barr DE/OLB

Mosley ILB

HaHa S

Dennard CB*

By my count there might be 26 players taken in the 1st round that the Pats wouldn't either have a shot at or wouldn't pick. So considering the talent we've talked about there should be a lot of good talent in the back of the 1st and well into the mid 2nd, maybe later 2nd this year. We should easily have our pick of G's, 1 of the top 2 TE's, 1 of the top 3 DT's, one of the top DB's

(10:00 AM): TE 5th SC junior to enter draft ... In a bit of a surprise, Southern California junior TE Xavier Grimble has decided to forego his final year of eligibility and make himself available for the 2014 draft. Last week, there were reports that Grimble was leaning toward returning to school for the upcoming season. The 6-5, 250-pound Grimble figures to be one of the top 4-5 TEs off the board this year; he is likely to be selected somewhere in the latter part of the second day or early third this coming May. Grimble is the fifth USC junior to turn pro this month, joining WR Marqise Lee, SS Dion Bailey, C Marcus Martin and DE George Uko in this year's draft field. Grimble is also the 72nd underclassman to have announced in one way or another that they will be ntering this year's draft. That's one short of last year's record number of juniors and redshirt sophs who entered the 2013 draft.

So, I've been thinking who are the players that the Pats either wouldn't take but would go in the 1st and the players who will be out of reach for the Pats where they are picking. As of right now if all the #1 and #2 seeds lose next week the Pats will get the #25 pick. So figuring BB could trade up to #20 if someone falls that's the range I set. So anyone in the teens or lower to me means they are out of range for the Pats. Here's the list I have going for 1st round picks the Pats either won't take or won't have the chance to take.

*denotes could be found in 1st to early 2nd range or hasn't declared yet

1st round picks the Pats won't take period:

A QB - Though a Rodgers situaiton could happen I just don't see it with BB. There is no value there, esp considering the shear amount of QB's who will go before they pick. Here's the list I have so far:

Bridgewater

Bortles

Manziel

Carr

Hundley

Boyd*

This does bring up the possibility of the Pats trading back with a team looking for a QB and might have to move up to get someone like Hundley or Boyd

A WR - Lets face it BB won't draft a WR in the 1st:

Watkins

Evans

Lee

Benjamin

Robinson*

Strong*

A RB - Same as WR:

Gordon*

Players I don't think will be in BBs range:

** denotes players in possible late teen early 20 range

Clowney DE

Matthews OT

Robinson OT

Erving OT*

Lewan OT*

Ebron TE

Nix DT

Ealy DE

Mack DE/OLB

Barr DE/OLB

Mosley ILB

HaHa S

Dennard CB*

By my count there might be 26 players taken in the 1st round that the Pats wouldn't either have a shot at or wouldn't pick. So considering the talent we've talked about there should be a lot of good talent in the back of the 1st and well into the mid 2nd, maybe later 2nd this year. We should easily have our pick of G's, 1 of the top 2 TE's, 1 of the top 3 DT's, one of the top DB's

Good exercise, PE.

A couple of notes/opinions:

1. Hundley is returning to school.

2. Boyd, at least from what I've seen, isn't considered a Rd 1 option at this point.

3. At some point I think BB will break the mold and take a WR in Rd 1... and with a player like Robinson there, with his knowledge/experience/success in B.O.'s offense, I think it makes sense this year. Not saying it will happen, but...

I also think Benjamin is an option as that big flex type that could play more of the AH role in the offense.

4. I think Amaro too will be gone before they select, but it's not a guarantee.

5. Justin Gilbert looks like an absolute stud and should be added to the list as I think he could be the 2nd CB off the board... with a chance to be the 1st.

Overall, I agree with your conclusion, that NE should have it's pick from a very talented pool of players (Martin, Tuitt, Hageman, Murphy, Robinson, Benjamin... etc.).

(10:00 AM): TE 5th SC junior to enter draft ... In a bit of a surprise, Southern California junior TE Xavier Grimble has decided to forego his final year of eligibility and make himself available for the 2014 draft. Last week, there were reports that Grimble was leaning toward returning to school for the upcoming season. The 6-5, 250-pound Grimble figures to be one of the top 4-5 TEs off the board this year; he is likely to be selected somewhere in the latter part of the second day or early third this coming May. Grimble is the fifth USC junior to turn pro this month, joining WR Marqise Lee, SS Dion Bailey, C Marcus Martin and DE George Uko in this year's draft field. Grimble is also the 72nd underclassman to have announced in one way or another that they will be ntering this year's draft. That's one short of last year's record number of juniors and redshirt sophs who entered the 2013 draft.

2. Boyd, at least from what I've seen, isn't considered a Rd 1 option at this point.

I'd normally agree but if their is a run on QB's I think he sneaks into the back of the first. It's also why I have him "*" because I think he'll be gone in the top 50 with a chance to sneak into the 1st for a team wanting to move up to grab him

3. At some point I think BB will break the mold and take a WR in Rd 1... and with a player like Robinson there, with his knowledge/experience/success in B.O.'s offense, I think it makes sense this year. Not saying it will happen, but...

I also think Benjamin is an option as that big flex type that could play more of the AH role in the offense.

I just don't see it. We all heard BB's comments regarding J. Jones and I think it carries over to thhe back of the 1st too. Imo BB feels that skill positions which rely completely on the QB aren't worth the value of picking high. Mainly because it's not a matter of the individual talent but the position relies exclusively on another position to make the play first.

4. I think Amaro too will be gone before they select, but it's not a guarantee.

Yeah good chance of it but I'm basing my list off of best pick available (for Pats it's 25th but that's worst case for 13' season) and how far I think BB will move up (5 spots seems to be about his limit). So I do think Amaro will fall in the early to mid 20's range which should be just about in range for the Pats depending on how this postseason goes.

5. Justin Gilbert looks like an absolute stud and should be added to the list as I think he could be the 2nd CB off the board... with a chance to be the 1st.

The reason Gilbert isn't on the list is because I do think (as with Amaro) that he'll be in that range to pick him if they want him. I see Dennard as an early 20's CB range and I would put Dennard slightly higher than Gilbert so Gilbert should be in the mid 20's to early 2nd round range which should give the Pats a shot at him

Overall, I agree with your conclusion, that NE should have it's pick from a very talented pool of players (Martin, Tuitt, Hageman, Murphy, Robinson, Benjamin... etc.).

(12:01 AM): Top OT; two other Noles to return to school … The offensive line depth at the 2014 draft took a hit when Florida State junior OT Cameron Erving announced he will be returning to FSU for his senior campaign next fall. Erving had been considered to be one of the top 4-5 prospects at the position with the top 15 potential. Erving was one of three Seminoles to announce today that they will be back to defend next fall as WR Rashad Greene, who led the team in receiving, and ruggedOG Tre Jackson also said they’ll be back next year. However, Florida State - and the NFL - are still waiting to hear from three other FSU underclassmen who are believed to be mulling over their futures including junior DT Timmy Jernigan and RB Devonta Freeman as well as redshirt sophomore WR Kelvin Benjamin. Jernigan and Benjamin in particular also have top 10-15 potential if they do opt to turn pro this month. Underclassmen have until January 15th to file paperwork with the NFL to be eligible for early admission to the 2014 draft.

Xavier Grimble TE USC 6’5” 255 (Added 1/8/2014) – Rivals rated Grimble as the top tight end recruit in the country out of high school in 2010. He redshirted during his first year on campus for the Trojans, and was a part time starter for the past three seasons. The junior closes his college career with 69 catches for 730 yards and 11 touchdowns in 35 games. Grimble was initially leaning toward returning for his senior season, and reportedly did not seek an evaluation from the NFL before changing course and declaring for the 2014 draft.

Jace Amaro TE Texas Tech 6’5” 257 (Added 1/2/2014) – Amaro’s first two years at Tech were clouded by on and off the field incidents. He was arrested in March of 2012 for use of a fake ID and another player’s credit card, but was ultimately not charged. Then he closed out the 2012 season by being ejected from the bowl game for fighting. Amaro vowed to overcome the mistakes of his youth, and went on to complete the 2013 season without incident. Along the way, he caught 106 passes for 1352 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games. Amaro plays the game like a big wide receiver – a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive coaches – but has the size and strength to develop into an effective blocker if he works at it. He seemed to waver on his decision throughout the season, but in the end opted to move onto the pros.

Austin Sefarian-Jenkins TE Washington 6’6” 276 (Added 12/30/2013) - Aside from catching a career-high eight touchdowns this past season, ASJ’s numbers dipped significantly. But despite his modest receiving totals, he won the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end. At the NFL level, Sefarian-Jenkins will serve more of a traditional role than than oversized receiver-types like Jimmy Graham and Jordan Cameron. He has reportedly been given a second round grade by the NFL Draft Advisory committee, but teams will want to be sure that his March 2013 DUI arrest is a mere blip on the radar before spending a high pick on him. For more on ASJ click here.

Jake Murphy TE Utah 6’4” 252 (Added 12/30/2013) – The son of former Major League Baseball great Dale Murphy, the younger Murphy originally signed on to play at BYU. However, upon returning from a Mormon mission in 2010, BYU no longer had a scholarship available for him. Rather than delay the start to his college football career further, Murphy opted to attend Utah and play immediately. In three seasons for the Utes he caught 63 passes for 830 yards and ten touchdowns. He missed time this past season with a broken wrist, but closed out the year with his best two games as a collegian. Murphy’s decision to turn pro was likely driven by the fact that he will turn 25 years old next September. He is not expected to be an early pick but could still work his way into the later rounds with strong pre-draft showing.

Richard Rodgers TE California 6’4” 245 (Added 12/26/2013) – After tipping the scales at 278 pounds while recovering from injuries this past offseason, Rodgers became the target of some…well, tough love from Cal Offensive Coordinator Tony Franklin. According to the coach, “I told (Rodgers) you will not play a down if you don’t (lose weight) because you’re slow and fat and out of shape and you can’t play.” Rodgers cut candy out of his diet, dropped 30 pounds, and became a slot receiver in the Golden Bears’ offense. He finished his junior season with 39 catches for 608 yards and a touchdown. Rodgers decision may come as a slight surprise, but he likely received some solid advice, including from his father, who works as the Carolina Panthers’ special teams coach. Draft insider Tony Pauline tweeted that some evaluators have second round grades on Rodgers, and that the tight end prospect has been compared to Antonio Gates. Not too shabby.

Colt Lyerla TE Oregon 6’5” 245 – Lyerla’s name has been in the draft since he left Oregon early in the season. From November: “Former Oregon tight end Colt Lyerla presents the most interesting case. He raised a slew of questions when he left Oregon, and details of a troubled past began to emerge. Then, just a few weeks later, Lyerla was arrested for possession of cocaine. He has already hired an agent, so there is no question he will enter the draft, but Lyerla will face a barrage of questions about drug use and his desire to play football from the few teams that haven’t already erased his name from their draft boards. Lyerla needs to prove that he is contrite, motivated, and clean if he hopes to be drafted in May, and his handlers will be faced with a daunting sales job.”

Eric Ebron TE North Carolina 6’4” 245 – Ebron has a chance to be the first tight end drafted next spring after catching 95 passes for 1520 yards and seven touchdowns over the past two seasons. Ebron finished the regular season with a five-catch 121-yard performance, just days after making his NFL intentions known. He’ll have one more chance to impress against Cincinnati in the Belk Bowl.

A.C. Leonard TE Tennessee State 6’4” 245 – Just days after committing to the Florida Gators, Leonard, a four star tight end recruit, was suspended for the remainder of his senior season for fighting. Once in college, Leonard left Florida prior to his sophomore season after pleading no contest to a battery charge that stemmed from an ugly domestic altercation with his girlfriend. Leonard landed at Tennessee State where he caught 85 passes for 1174 yards and 11 touchdowns in 22 games. He is reportedly considered a mid round talent by some scouts, but Leonard’s off the field issues will likely push him into the late rounds or priority free agency.

Mike Flacco TE New Haven 6’5” 245 (Added 1/8/2014) – Flacco played minor league baseball for several seaons before retiring in 2012. He is a 26-year old sophomore tight end who caught 30 passes for 591 yards and nine touchdowns in 2013. And yes, he is the brother of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.

I really don't think Grimble made the right choice. He has flashes of talent but he's not the receiving threat that some of the better TE's are and is only an average blocker. Given the top 3 TE's in the draft, heck even the top 5, it's curious why he didn't stay in school, up his draft stock, and enter next years draft as a top 5 if not top 3 (provided he can utilize that talent)

One guy that has popped out to me that could be a possibility in round 1 is Ra'Shede Hageman from Minnesota. At 6'6 310 he is a big boy but is fast. Runs a 4.95. Has drawn comparisons to the playing style of Watt. I like what I've seen out of him. He could be a good NFL DT

Wow, Erving is going back to school? That's a bit of a shock considering he looked like a sure top 25 pick. Though this could net him a top 10 status next year that's a pretty big gamble on his part.

I agree that it's a bit of a surprise, but good for the kid... always respect when a player wants to enjoy the rest of his colleg experience and maybe he doesn't feel like he's ready physically/mentally. Either way, that's a big keep for FSU!

One guy that has popped out to me that could be a possibility in round 1 is Ra'Shede Hageman from Minnesota. At 6'6 310 he is a big boy but is fast. Runs a 4.95. Has drawn comparisons to the playing style of Watt. I like what I've seen out of him. He could be a good NFL DT

You're welcome to hop on the banwagon. Been making the same comparison since Sept

BB trades out of the first round if TE Amaro is off the board. Pats get a early/mid-second round and early 4th round picks.

TE Jenkins of WA - picked at around 37

OG Martin of ND or Steen of Ala - with the Pats own 2nd round pick

BB trades Mallet - Pats select DT DeQuanJones with #60ish

QB McCarron selected with early 3rd round pick (Pats trade up)

WRs TBD selected with both 4th round picks (one from trade)

IF BB doesn't trade out of the first round - Pats select either OG Yankey, WR Robinson, OG Richardson or WR Benjamin in that order, depending who is available. and TE Fiedorowicz with the second pick. then same as above. Once you get beyond the 3rd round, trying to zero in on specific players is even a bigger impossibe crap shoot to predict.

One guy that has popped out to me that could be a possibility in round 1 is Ra'Shede Hageman from Minnesota. At 6'6 310 he is a big boy but is fast. Runs a 4.95. Has drawn comparisons to the playing style of Watt. I like what I've seen out of him. He could be a good NFL DT

You're welcome to hop on the banwagon. Been making the same comparison since Sept

Please reconsider comparing Hageman with Watt.

Style of play, I would think goes as far as consistency of aggressiveness and effort. To some extent, going as far as actual performance on the field. Performance-wise, Hageman was not at all close to what Watt was in college.

Watt was a much more complete package than Hageman; He was on the field on a lot of D snaps. Watt was very ggressive at penetrating on both pass and run. He was consistently terrorizing the opponent's backfield. He dominated one-on-ones. I would defer to MB to describe what he looked like in college.

Hageman is off the field on half the D snaps. Gets beaten a lot by single blockers. Hageman is aggressive on maybe 1 of every 4 D snaps he plays.

Hageman's last two years:

2013: Total tkl = 38; Solo 26; TFL 13; Sack 2

2012: Total tkl = 20; Solo 15; TFL 7.5; Sack 6

Watt's last two years:

2010: Total Tkl = 59; Solo 43; TFL 21 Sack 7

2009: Total Tkl = 44; Solo 32; TFL 15.5, Sack 4.5

For perspective: The most TFLs recorded by a DT this year is no more than 15. I believe Quarles recorded the most TFLs among DTs.

One guy that has popped out to me that could be a possibility in round 1 is Ra'Shede Hageman from Minnesota. At 6'6 310 he is a big boy but is fast. Runs a 4.95. Has drawn comparisons to the playing style of Watt. I like what I've seen out of him. He could be a good NFL DT

You're welcome to hop on the banwagon. Been making the same comparison since Sept

Please reconsider comparing Hageman with Watt.

Style of play, I would think goes as far as consistency of aggressiveness and effort. To some extent, going as far as actual performance on the field. Performance-wise, Hageman was not at all close to what Watt was in college.

Watt was a much more complete package than Hageman; He was on the field on a lot of D snaps. Watt was very ggressive at penetrating on both pass and run. He was consistently terrorizing the opponent's backfield. He dominated one-on-ones. I would defer to MB to describe what he looked like in college.

Hageman is off the field on half the D snaps. Gets beaten a lot by single blockers. Hageman is aggressive on maybe 1 of every 4 D snaps he plays.

Hageman's last two years:

2013: Total tkl = 38; Solo 26; TFL 13; Sack 2

2012: Total tkl = 20; Solo 15; TFL 7.5; Sack 6

Watt's last two years:

2010: Total Tkl = 59; Solo 43; TFL 21 Sack 7

2009: Total Tkl = 44; Solo 32; TFL 15.5, Sack 4.5

For perspective: The most TFLs recorded by a DT this year is no more than 15. I believe Quarles recorded the most TFLs among DTs.

I see very similar traits between the two. As MB pointed out Hageman is inconsistant. However, when he flashes it's at a Watt level. If he can bring consistency to his game he could put up Watt type of numbers because he has that ability. If I remember right I was one of the first to jump on the Watt bandwagon back when he was considered a 3rd round pick at the beginning of the college season. He was a bit raw at times but much more fundamentally sound and more consistant than Hageman and that's one reason for his sky high rise. If Hageman showed the same development and consistency in his final year as Watt did I would guarantee he'd be a top 15 pick. As is he is a bit of a gamble but I do see Watt type of ceiling if he can put it together.

I think he has the athleticism, measurables and upside of a Watt, but he's further off in his development than JJ was at this stage... and I think that delta in development will show come draft day... Watt went of the board 11th overall, where Hagemen will be off the board somewhere in the Top 35-40, though very likely in Rd 1.

While I'd be more comfortable taking him in Rd 2 and targeting more of a sure thing in Rd 1. (i.e. ND OL Zack Martin), I'd be OK if BB/NC took him inside the Top 32 as at his best, he might be the best overall prospect in the entire class... destroying O-lineman like Reggie White vs. Max Lane... though the maddening part is he could be handled with a single block by an OG on the next. If the lights fully come one... look out.

At the end of the day, I'm starting to think that BB/NC could view Hageman as the defensive equivalent to Nate Solder as a long, athletic specimen that's not a finished product, but demonstrates immense upside and physical ability.

I think he has the athleticism, measurables and upside of a Watt, but he's further off in his development than JJ was at this stage... and I think that delta in development will show come draft day... Watt went of the board 11th overall, where Hagemen will be off the board somewhere in the Top 35-40, though very likely in Rd 1.

While I'd be more comfortable taking him in Rd 2 and targeting more of a sure thing in Rd 1. (i.e. ND OL Zack Martin), I'd be OK if BB/NC took him inside the Top 32 as at his best, he might be the best overall prospect in the entire class... destroying O-lineman like Reggie White vs. Max Lane... though the maddening part is he could be handled with a single block by an OG on the next. If the lights fully come one... look out.

At the end of the day, I'm starting to think that BB/NC could view Hageman as the defensive equivalent to Nate Solder as a long, athletic specimen that's not a finished product, but demonstrates immense upside and physical ability.

good points and we all know BB likes to take guys that still need work done to reach full potential aka Solder, Chandler Jones (although he's come along very fast), and Vollmer too. and we all know BB loves to work with defensive players too. i can see Hageman here for some reason

Xavier Grimble TE USC 6’5” 255 (Added 1/8/2014) – Rivals rated Grimble as the top tight end recruit in the country out of high school in 2010. He redshirted during his first year on campus for the Trojans, and was a part time starter for the past three seasons. The junior closes his college career with 69 catches for 730 yards and 11 touchdowns in 35 games. Grimble was initially leaning toward returning for his senior season, and reportedly did not seek an evaluation from the NFL before changing course and declaring for the 2014 draft.

Jace Amaro TE Texas Tech 6’5” 257 (Added 1/2/2014) – Amaro’s first two years at Tech were clouded by on and off the field incidents. He was arrested in March of 2012 for use of a fake ID and another player’s credit card, but was ultimately not charged. Then he closed out the 2012 season by being ejected from the bowl game for fighting. Amaro vowed to overcome the mistakes of his youth, and went on to complete the 2013 season without incident. Along the way, he caught 106 passes for 1352 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games. Amaro plays the game like a big wide receiver – a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive coaches – but has the size and strength to develop into an effective blocker if he works at it. He seemed to waver on his decision throughout the season, but in the end opted to move onto the pros.

Austin Sefarian-Jenkins TE Washington 6’6” 276 (Added 12/30/2013) - Aside from catching a career-high eight touchdowns this past season, ASJ’s numbers dipped significantly. But despite his modest receiving totals, he won the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end. At the NFL level, Sefarian-Jenkins will serve more of a traditional role than than oversized receiver-types like Jimmy Graham and Jordan Cameron. He has reportedly been given a second round grade by the NFL Draft Advisory committee, but teams will want to be sure that his March 2013 DUI arrest is a mere blip on the radar before spending a high pick on him. For more on ASJ click here.

Jake Murphy TE Utah 6’4” 252 (Added 12/30/2013) – The son of former Major League Baseball great Dale Murphy, the younger Murphy originally signed on to play at BYU. However, upon returning from a Mormon mission in 2010, BYU no longer had a scholarship available for him. Rather than delay the start to his college football career further, Murphy opted to attend Utah and play immediately. In three seasons for the Utes he caught 63 passes for 830 yards and ten touchdowns. He missed time this past season with a broken wrist, but closed out the year with his best two games as a collegian. Murphy’s decision to turn pro was likely driven by the fact that he will turn 25 years old next September. He is not expected to be an early pick but could still work his way into the later rounds with strong pre-draft showing.

Richard Rodgers TE California 6’4” 245 (Added 12/26/2013) – After tipping the scales at 278 pounds while recovering from injuries this past offseason, Rodgers became the target of some…well, tough love from Cal Offensive Coordinator Tony Franklin. According to the coach, “I told (Rodgers) you will not play a down if you don’t (lose weight) because you’re slow and fat and out of shape and you can’t play.” Rodgers cut candy out of his diet, dropped 30 pounds, and became a slot receiver in the Golden Bears’ offense. He finished his junior season with 39 catches for 608 yards and a touchdown. Rodgers decision may come as a slight surprise, but he likely received some solid advice, including from his father, who works as the Carolina Panthers’ special teams coach. Draft insider Tony Pauline tweeted that some evaluators have second round grades on Rodgers, and that the tight end prospect has been compared to Antonio Gates. Not too shabby.

Colt Lyerla TE Oregon 6’5” 245 – Lyerla’s name has been in the draft since he left Oregon early in the season. From November: “Former Oregon tight end Colt Lyerla presents the most interesting case. He raised a slew of questions when he left Oregon, and details of a troubled past began to emerge. Then, just a few weeks later, Lyerla was arrested for possession of cocaine. He has already hired an agent, so there is no question he will enter the draft, but Lyerla will face a barrage of questions about drug use and his desire to play football from the few teams that haven’t already erased his name from their draft boards. Lyerla needs to prove that he is contrite, motivated, and clean if he hopes to be drafted in May, and his handlers will be faced with a daunting sales job.”

Eric Ebron TE North Carolina 6’4” 245 – Ebron has a chance to be the first tight end drafted next spring after catching 95 passes for 1520 yards and seven touchdowns over the past two seasons. Ebron finished the regular season with a five-catch 121-yard performance, just days after making his NFL intentions known. He’ll have one more chance to impress against Cincinnati in the Belk Bowl.

A.C. Leonard TE Tennessee State 6’4” 245 – Just days after committing to the Florida Gators, Leonard, a four star tight end recruit, was suspended for the remainder of his senior season for fighting. Once in college, Leonard left Florida prior to his sophomore season after pleading no contest to a battery charge that stemmed from an ugly domestic altercation with his girlfriend. Leonard landed at Tennessee State where he caught 85 passes for 1174 yards and 11 touchdowns in 22 games. He is reportedly considered a mid round talent by some scouts, but Leonard’s off the field issues will likely push him into the late rounds or priority free agency.

Mike Flacco TE New Haven 6’5” 245 (Added 1/8/2014) – Flacco played minor league baseball for several seaons before retiring in 2012. He is a 26-year old sophomore tight end who caught 30 passes for 591 yards and nine touchdowns in 2013. And yes, he is the brother of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.

TEs this year are a very mixed bunch - they can be very different in playing style. When considering the prospects, I think closer attention should be how the playing style fits with what the team does, and what it wants to do.

Jace Amaro TE Texas Tech 6’5” 257 (Added 1/2/2014)

Saying that Amaro plays like a big wide receiver is an understatement. Over the 13 games this season, he almost always was lined up at the slot. On the few times that he was not playing off the slot, he was split wide more than he was next to the tackle.

The result of that playing style, can be seen in his reception numbers. As JJ mentioned: he caught 106 passes for 1352 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games. Those numbers are off the charts for TEs. I am not sure if those numbers have ever been seen from a TE.

For context: He tied for 7th in catches overall (He caught more balls than Watkins and PSU's Robinson); 1352 yards was ranked 11th overall (300+ more yards than K Benjamin). Looking at top NFL TEs: On Gronk's best year in Arizona, he caught 47 for 672 yds and 10 TDs; Graham had 17 recs for 213 yds and 5 TDs; A Hernandez caught 68 for 850 yds and 5 TDs.

He's really a slot receiver, whose size, rather than quickness, is his mismatch driver. IMO, it will take him years to learn to be an inline, blocking TE. If a team is to take advantage of what he can bring, I think it just has to embrace what he has been in college.

Eric Ebron TE North Carolina 6’4” 245

Ebron did quite have the gaudy numbers that Amaro had, but recorded ridiculous stats just the same. The way I would contrast Ebrons game vs Amaro is that he was moved around more. I don't have exact numbers, but on the three games that I saw NC play, I got the impression that he played more or less even number of snaps inline, slot and split wide. every now and then starts in the back.

I envision Ebron to play well in Hernandez's old role. This kid, however, is more athletic, perhaps faster and I believe has more reliable hands.

Nonetheless, his 2013 numbers (36 recs, 450 yds, 8 TDs) are better than most TEs in the NFL, including Graham. And he achieved that playing the more traditional role, lining up most of the time next the the OT. His numbers in 2012 were comparable to Ebron's 2013 numbers (69, 852, 7).

Athletic, and probably the toughest of the bunch, the guy makes catching contested and wide balls look easy. In theory, this kid is the closest you can get to finding a college TE who will do what Gronk does for teh Pats.

The question mark on him has to do with passion for the game. On Washington's bowl, I noted on my review that he seemed to lack fire. I used the words "looking like he takes plays off". Interestingly, MB had been noticing it as well.

C J Fiederowicz TE Iowa 6’6” 276

Obviously similar body type to Gronk. When running a route, more than some times, he looks like Gronk. However, for a long time, I could not help but feel there was something wrong with his game. It took me until the bowl (third Iowa game I watched) to notice that eventhough he lines up a lot next to the T, he either blocks or run routes. He does not pretend to block when running routes - meaning, the opponent does not have to figure out what Iowa is trying to do. Fixable? IDK. I would think so. CJ is supposed to be available in the late 2nd or early 3rd round.

Some see CJ as the best receiving threat among TEs not named Amaro/Ebron/ASJ. His numbers (30, 299, 6). do not necessarily say that. Granted, he ahd better numbers in 2012 (45, 433, 1) Also, I believe CJ is very similar to Colorado State's Crockett Gillmore, who will be avilable in the sixth round.

Arthur Lynch TE Georgia 6'6", 254

Lynch IMO is in the same mold as ASJ, albeit slightly smaller. A lot of draft experts and enthusiasts bucket Lynch as mainly a blocking TE. He definitely is among the best inline blocking TEs. Yet, his catch numbers (30, 459, 5) were arguably better than CJ's this year. Lynch is the poor man's ASJ.

Jake Murphy TE Utah 6’4” 252 (Added 12/30/2013) – I did not notice this kid's game. I watched a couple of Utah games, but was paying attention to other people and this kid did not necessarily stand out. I am not saying he is bad. I just did not notice.

Richard Rodgers TE California 6’4” 245 (Added 12/26/2013) –

I watched 2 Cal games to see Coleman, their DT. Along the way, I got to see the offense. He's been used by Cal as a Flex TE. He lined up as RB more frequently than I've seen any other TE in college. He was effective in that role (39, 608, 1). That said, he looks slow even for a TE. Maybe it had something to do with his injury.

Xavier Grimble TE USC 6’5” 255 (Added 1/8/2014)

Not much to add to what was written above. Unlike Murphy, I did notice Grimble when I watched a couple of USC games. Low key, but does a lot of good teams. USC did not use him as much as Lynch or the other TEs, but did his role when he was on the field.

Nick O'Leary TE Florida State 6’3” 248 (Added 1/8/2014)

I have seen someone write here that he is a one of the better receiving threats among the TEs; another said he might be too small to play inline. I think both comments are not entirely true.

Size-wise, he is comparable to Dallas Clark. As a receiver, his best receiving season (33, 557, 7) is just comparable to those of the better TEs not named Amaro/ Ebron/ ASJ. However, the 7 TDs stands out.

IMO a good TE pick, in the third round.

Colt Lyerla TE Oregon 6’5” 245 –

After the Hernandez experience, I don't think BB will want another kid with potential to be as distracting.